In focus: Dan Micciche

Following his appointment as First-Team Manager, mkdons.com takes a closer look at the 38-year-old’s career so far.

Micciche is the son of Italian parents and, although born in England, he had a healthy obsession with Italian football, often visiting his parent’s homeland to indulge in the country’s biggest derbies with his brother.

Although never playing the game professionally, the Dons’ latest manager is a student of the global game having spent many of his formative years analysing the sport rather than lacing up his boots.

Micciche studied a Masters in International Management and an MBA in Football at Loughborough University and Liverpool University respectively. He also earned a degree in Sports Science.

The contacts Micciche made during his studies lead him to Crystal Palace where he learnt the ropes of academy coaching.

In September 2005, he would leave the Eagles to take up the role of Academy Coach at Tottenham Hotspur – a position he’d maintain for two years, working the likes of Harry Winks and Josh Onomah.

Come October 2007, Micciche joined MK Dons, initially on a part-time basis, working with the teams between the Under-9s and Under-12s age groups.

After a short time in this position, Micciche took control of coaching for the Under-9s to Under-16s squads and was named Head of Academy Coaching, working and learning alongside Mike Dove and Paul Mitchell.

During his time at Stadium MK, Micciche would play a key role the development of players such as Dele Alli, Brendan Galloway, Kevin Danso Seyi Ojo. In total, Dan oversaw 11 schoolboys receive international recognition.

He would also play a part in shape the core values and philosophies that are still held by the Football Club to this day.

Micciche would eventually leave the Dons in 2013 and to take up aCoach and Player Development Technical Lead role with The FA, responsible for the development of both players and coaches between the Under-12s and Under-16s age groups.

His hard work was rewarded when in 2015, Micciche was asked to manage both the Under-15s and Under-16s sides.

During his time with England, Micciche helped developed youngsters such as Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon.

He also played a vital role in the Young Lions’ summer success in 2017, having worked with 75% of the players involved in the triumphs – the Under-17 national team were crowned World Cup winners while the 2017 Toulon Tournament was won by an English team, largely made up of Under-18s players. What’s more, the England Under-20s were also crowned World Champions.

Micciche was credited with changing the perception of English players and now returns to Stadium MK to continue that work as First-Team Manager of MK Dons.